The key role of inter-row vegetation and ants on predation in Mediterranean organic vineyards

Biodiversity-friendly farming practices are taking centre stage, with herbicide use sparking major public debate on human health. Vegetation cover is increasingly used to enhance agroecosystem biodiversity and functions, providing important ecosystem services like biological pest control. However, further information required the relationship between vegetation cover, natural enemies, predation. Using a sentinel prey experiment set up in 26 Mediterranean organic vineyards, we analysed response of generalist predators, associated final predation dynamics under three inter-row management types: bare soil, one out two inter-rows vegetated all vegetated. Predation was monitored ground vine trunk throughout daytime after night exposure. Generalist predator abundance quantified using pitfall traps. Final both trunks were significantly higher fully shorter survival time than tilled vineyards. Both diurnal nocturnal related increased richness. Moreover, 96 % identified events involved ants. We demonstrated key role improving function through spill-over from grapevine. Contrary what commonly observed agrosystems, clearly ants as predominant trunk. Our study has implications for vineyard management, promoting nature-based solution. Sustainable favouring community may contribute reduction pesticide fossil fuel consumption.